In place of a traditional midterm exam, you will
demonstrate your understanding of the course material (readings, themes,
discussions, etc.) by writing a formal paper.
The Prompt:
Crevecour’s “What is an American?” played a role
in formulating some of the traditional images of American identity, many of
which remain relevant today. As we have seen, the text works to create and/or
reinforce several traditional notions about America/Americans, including the
notion of success and the American Dream. How have subsequent authors defined
America and Americans?
Your task is to select three of the texts
that we have read so far (excluding Crevecour) and use them to answer the
question: How have American writers used literature to define America as a
nation, and Americans as a people? A short (1-2 sentence) answer to this
question can provide you with a thesis statement. In your paper, make sure to
support your argument with specific evidence from all three
texts. As you answer this “big question” some things you may wish to consider:
what parallels do you notice across all three texts? Any contradictions? If so,
how do you account for this? How well do these ideas about America and
Americans reflect reality? How does each text contribute to and/or offer a
counterpoint to the dominant notion of success in American and the mythic
American Dream?
Requirements:
Length: 5-7 pages
Format: MLA (including formatting and
citations)
Texts: Your paper should discuss at
least three texts from the
following list:
1.
Ben
Franklin’s Autobiography
2.
“The Way to Wealth”
3.
Ragged
Dick
4.
“Mrs.
Spring Fragrance”
5.
“Crossing
Brooklyn Ferry”
6.
“The
New Colossus”
7.
Bread
Givers